Last Seen...Eating Plants

Once the perceived domain of crunchy hippies, vegetarianism is much more than Birkenstock sandal-wearing hipsters who smell like patchouli. Around the world, it is the diet of many faithful sects; it sustains many top athletes; it is embraced by Hollywood and your average person alike. Dare we say it has even seen mainstream success in recent years?

While one of the Gorillamen has not eaten meat since well before the start of Men in Gorilla Suits, we have yet to discuss eating plants. So...this time around, we change that!

Here's what we chat about:

• What is your earliest memory of the concept of not eating meat?
• Are you now, or have you ever been, a vegetarian or vegan? (If so, when and why?)
• Why do you think there's a growth of vegetarians and vegans in the world right now?
• Vegans especially have a reputation for being pushy in their views. Do you think there's truth to that?
• Along those lines, why do you think some people are so aggressively opposed to the idea of not eating meat – to the point they will tease plant-based eaters for their choices?
• The Burger King Impossible Whopper has received a lot of attention. What are your thoughts about mock meats?
• Why do you think there are so many different kinds of vegetarians (examples: ordinary vegetarians, vegans, people who prefer being called plant-based instead of vegan)?
• Do you think all the different ways of being a vegetarian or vegan make it hard for meat-eaters to warm to the concept?
• What role does environmentalism play in the growth of vegetarianism/veganism?
• Hell, let’s just go there: what are your feelings toward People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals?
• Legislation has been written in many states saying it's illegal for whistleblowers to secretly film the mistreatment of livestock...and some legislators want to make referring to plant-based milks as "milk" and veggie burgers as "burgers." What are your thoughts about all that?
• What is the future of plant-based eating?